Life with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia continues to take the lives of 10,500 infants each year (Preeclampsia Foundation, 2014). This disease, also known as Toxemia, only occurs in pregnant women. It takes place when there is a sharp rise in the mother’s blood pressure (also known as hypertension). Preeclampsia is also the most common complication that can occur during pregnancy (Preeclampsia Foundation, 2014).

Typically, there are no real “signs” of preeclampsia. In fact, symptoms can resemble those that occur in a healthy, regular pregnancy. Symptoms may include edema (caused by the accumulation of excess fluid), severe or dull headaches, back and shoulder pain, or the most well known symptom, hypertension. There are other factors that may be relevant to the onset of preeclampsia. These factors include proteinuria (protein in the urine) and albuminuria (albumin in the urine). Preeclampsia can temporarily damage the filter between blood and the kidneys linking to the findings of protein and albumin in the mother’s urine. The only way to find the two substances, the mother must take a urine test. Another symptom of the possible onset is “morning sickness” or nausea that continues after the first trimester of pregnancy. Although, this can possibly be a misjudgment of a common flu, the mother should call her health care provider immediately to be safe. Gaining more than two pounds a week can indicate signs of preeclampsia. This weight gain may be from damaged blood vessels that allow more water to leak into and remain in the mother’s body tissue, restricting the fluid to pass through to the kidneys to be excreted (Preeclampsia Foundation, 2014). Changes in the mother's vision is one of the most serious symptoms of preeclampsia (Preeclampsia Foundation, 201...

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...sease in the future (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Other complications may include bleeding problems, rupturing of the liver, increased risk of stroke, and even death.

There are various factors that may put a mother at higher risk for developing preeclampsia. If a mother is having her first child, they are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia versus a mother who has already had children previous to her present pregnancy. If a mother has a gap of at least 7 years between each pregnancy, this may cause a higher risk as well. Family history puts a mother at risk if her biological mother and/or sister was previously diagnosed with this disorder. This supports the fact that genetics increase the probability of a mother developing preeclampsia. It is very common for a mother to be diagnosed with preeclampsia if she has been previously diagnosed in past pregnancies as well.